Dentistry Unmasked: A Roundtable Podcast

Why patients don’t mind paying full fee in this practice

Ever wondered what it would actually take to drop insurance participation—but weren’t sure how to make it work?
 
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Brian Edwards, a preventive-focused dentist who has successfully transitioned out of network with all insurance plans while continuing to grow a thriving, patient-centered practice.
 
Dr. Edwards shares how he transformed his dental hygiene department into the foundation of his model of care—delivering comprehensive, individualized treatment that prioritizes prevention, education, and connection. The result? A truly exceptional patient experience that has allowed him to practice fully on his own terms.
 
Even more compelling, he explains how creating this level of trust and value has made insurance participation unnecessary—because patients are willing to invest in care they understand, believe in, and value.
 
If you’ve ever considered moving away from insurance dependency, or want to elevate your hygiene model into a true driver of clinical and financial success, this episode offers a powerful roadmap.
 
Resources:
threetwothreedentistry.com

What no one tells you before you buy a practice

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam continue the conversation on practice transitions—this time through the lens of the buyer.
 
They’re joined by Brian Hanks, a seasoned buyer’s advocate who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to purchase a dental practice in today’s market. From timing the decision to buy, to identifying what actually makes a practice a strong opportunity, Brian shares practical insights every young dentist should hear before stepping into ownership.
 
He also tackles some surprisingly overlooked pitfalls—like why tax extensions can quietly signal red flags during the buying process—and offers clear guidance on when to move forward on a deal… and when it’s smarter to walk away.
 
If you’re a young dentist considering ownership, or simply trying to understand what makes a “good deal” in dentistry today, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you make smarter, more confident decisions.

Are you building a sellable practice—or just a busy one?

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam sit down with Brian Franco for a candid, eye-opening conversation that challenges how dentists think about the value of their practices.
 
Brian makes a compelling case that a dental practice is, first and foremost, a business—and should be evaluated and sold like any other business. But here’s the twist: it’s not collections, production, or even EBITDA that ultimately determines value. According to Brian, it’s transferability that truly drives what a practice is worth.
 
Together, they unpack what transferability really means, why it matters more than traditional financial metrics, and how it can dramatically impact a future sale. Brian also offers a strong argument for why dentists should consider working with an industry-agnostic brokerage when it’s time to transition out of ownership.
 
If you’re thinking about the future of your practice—or even just want to understand its true value—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

5 essential changes dental hygienists should make for a prosperous and pain-free 2026

Spend time with Stephanie Botts as we discuss how to focus on being pain free in 2026.  From your operatory  to your mental and physical health...prevention is key to feeling healthy.

The leadership gap holding your practice back

Is your office manager truly managing—or simply keeping the office running day to day?
 
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam are joined by the one and only Dr. Roger Levin, who brings his decades of experience in practice management and dental consulting to a critical (and often overlooked) topic: what it really takes to build an effective office manager.
 
Too often, office managers are promoted into the role without clear expectations, structured training, or the tools they need to succeed. Dr. Levin breaks down why that happens—and more importantly, how to fix it.
 
He shares what separates a true manager from an administrator, and how proper training and development can transform an office manager into a confident, competent leader who actively drives practice growth.
 
If you’re a dentist wondering why your team isn’t operating at the level you expect—or an office manager looking to step fully into your leadership role—this episode offers practical insight you can put into action immediately.

If you’re not using these materials, you’re already behind

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been around for years—but how it’s actually used in practice is still widely misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Brian Novy and Dr. Pam Maragliano take a closer look at where SDF fits in modern caries management, what clinicians often get wrong, and why it continues to spark debate.
 
From technique missteps to patient communication, this conversation moves beyond theory into the realities of clinical practice. The hosts challenge the idea that caries treatment must always be surgical, reframing SDF as a practical tool for arresting disease, stabilizing lesions, and buying time—especially in high-risk or complex cases.
 
They also explore how SDF integrates with restorative approaches like glass ionomer (SMART technique), and where it makes the most sense across different patient populations, including pediatric and elderly patients.
 
Along the way, the discussion touches on a growing tension in dentistry: how coding, reimbursement, and legacy practice models can shape clinical decisions—sometimes in ways that don’t fully align with disease management.

Dentistry on Netflix: Are we ready?

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Jonny Norris, the creator of an upcoming Netflix documentary that promises to challenge long-held assumptions in dentistry and spark important conversations with patients. As the profession anticipates a public spotlight on treatment decisions and standards of care, Dr. Norris shares his perspective on minimal intervention dentistry and what true conservatism should look like in modern practice. The discussion explores the science and clinical application of preventive and bioactive materials such as silver diamine fluoride, povidone iodine, and glass ionomers—and how these tools can help clinicians preserve tooth structure while improving long-term outcomes. This is a timely, thoughtful conversation about ethics, prevention, patient communication, and how dentists can be prepared—clinically and conversationally—for the questions that may soon be coming their way.

Unmasking AACD accreditation

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian chat with Dr. Charlie Ward, who was recently accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Ward pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to earn AACD accreditation—from the specific types of cases required and the rigorous evaluation process to the mentorship, preparation, and mindset shifts that made the difference. He also shares some of his go-to products and clinical strategies that helped elevate his results and set him up for success.  If you’re looking to sharpen your cosmetic dentistry skills or are considering the AACD accreditation pathway yourself, this inspiring and practical conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
 
Resources:
Email: drcaward82@gmail.com

More than social media: The clinical side of @BloodyToothGuy

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam  sit down with Dr. Jason Auerbach—better known to many as @bloodytoothguy. With a schedule that seems nonstop, we finally ask the question everyone’s wondering: does he still see patients? (Spoiler: you’ll have to tune in.)  Beyond the social media persona, Dr. Auerbach dives into serious clinical ground—highlighting the critical importance of thorough diagnostic documentation, smart medical billing strategies, and how proper records protect both patients and practices. He also references the American Dental Association recommendations on CBCT use, sparking a thoughtful discussion on imaging standards and clinical responsibility. Insightful, practical, and refreshingly candid, this episode blends real-world dentistry with behind-the-scenes perspective from one of the profession’s most recognizable voices.
 
Resources:
https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/new-recommendations-confirm-dental-x-rays-most-effectively-used-in-moderation
 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212440325013252

PrEP, PEP & prophylaxis … and somehow chapstick

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with renowned pharmacologist Tom Viola for a timely and practical conversation on preventives in dentistry. From the latest updates on antibiotic prophylaxis to what every dental professional should know about the growing use of PrEP and PEP, this episode breaks down complex pharmacology into clear, clinical takeaways you can use immediately. And in true Dentistry Unmasked fashion, the discussion takes an unexpected (and entertaining) detour into chapstick. Insightful, relevant, and just the right amount of fun—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.